Wright merely asks us to improve U.S.

For those folks who demonize Rev. Wright for his comments, without actually researching the context of his speech, I want to be sure you know what he was talking about and why.

In the earlier parts of his speech, Rev. Wright talked about the history of slavery in the U.S. and its indelible stain on our history as Americans.

He talked about our United States government treatment of native Americans in cases like "The Trail of Tears."

The discovery of gold in Cherokee territory in the southeast U.S. resulted in the rounding up and removal of Cherokees from the Carolinas, Georgia on a "Trail of Tears" forced march to Oklahoma from 1838 to 1840.

Thousands died on the march and from subsequent hardships.

Rev. Wright also talked about American government internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Recounting these severely cruel and inhumane examples of our U.S. Government treatment of its citizens is when Rev. Wright said "God Bless America? No, God damn America."

To those Americans who say or think "my country right or wrong," I say you are neglecting to shoulder you responsibilities as an American citizen.

It is like saying, "my mother, drunk or sober." No, if my mom is drunk, it is my responsibility to help her. If I can't do it myself, then I seek out others to help me help her.

The founders of the United States stated themselves that they had only begun the work of building a great country.

It is for future generations to adjust, build upon, and refine their efforts. That is our job.

Jim Peterson

Hoffman Estates